The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has officially nominated The Voice of Hind Rajab for Best International Feature Film at the 98th Academy Awards. Directed by Oscar-nominated Tunisian filmmaker Kaouther Ben Hania, the docudrama captures the tragic story of Hind Rajab, the six-year-old girl who was killed in Gaza in 2024. The film has garnered critical acclaim for its innovative use of real audio recordings from Rajab’s final phone call to the Palestine Red Crescent Society.

While the nomination is a milestone for Ben Hania, the production faces a significant hurdle ahead of the ceremony. Palestinian actor Motaz Malhees, who stars in the film, is reportedly unable to travel to the United States for the event. Malhees is currently restricted by a U.S. travel ban on Palestinian citizens, preventing him from joining the cast and crew on the red carpet in Los Angeles.

This recognition follows Ben Hania’s previous success with Four Daughters, further cementing her status as a powerhouse in global cinema. The Voice of Hind Rajab has been praised for its raw, unflinching look at the human impact of the conflict. As the film prepares for the Oscars, the forced absence of its lead actor continues to draw international attention to the story’s real-world context and poignant message.